Considering a vegetarian diet? See how it stacks up

Vegetarianism has become considerably more mainstream in recent years, with high-profile figures like former president Bill Clinton opting for quinoa salads over a hefty rib-eye steak. In many instances, people in Houston choose to make this shift for the sake of their aging longevity, since the cholesterol and saturated fat standard Texan diets include can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other grave medical concerns.

Have you ever considered cutting meat out of your diet? Or at least limiting your intake for the sake of your health? If so, you may be interested in the results of a recent study from California's Loma Linda University. Researchers reviewed health records from 71,751 men with a mean age of 59 over the course of five years to gauge how their dietary choices affected their overall well-being. The participants, all of whom were members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (which the university is closely affiliated with), fell under the category of non-vegetarian, strict vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian (ie. consumes dairy) and pesco vegetarian (ie. consumes fish).

Over the course of the study, the scientists found that vegetarians displayed lower body mass index rates than meat-eaters, despite the fact that they consumed the same amount of calories. Overall, non-vegetarians also took in fewer plant proteins, though some vegetarians also exhibited nutrient deficiencies.

Before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle – even if you think you're making a healthy choice – consider consulting a medical professional. The anti-aging doctors at Longevity Centres of America can help ensure you get the nutrients you need. We also offer rejuvenating treatments like infusion therapy and medical weight loss in Houston to help you look and feel your very best.